1025 DOUGLAS AVENUE

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

1025 Douglas Avenue, built in 1924 by Ralph Abell, sits on a half-acre lot at the southeast corner of Douglas Avenue and River Bluff Road.

Charles and Elizabeth Rinehimer commissioned the build and were the first residents of the home. According to the 1923-24 Elgin City Directory, before moving to their new house on Douglas, the Rinehimers already resided in Elgin, living at 1018 Prospect Avenue. Charles was one of the principals of Rinehimer Brothers Manufacturing Company, founded in 1891 and specializing in millwork products.

Many of the Rinehimer family worked for the eponymous company, and many lived in Elgin near Charles and Elizabeth. Albert, company president, lived at 158 Kimball; Charles E., vice president, lived at 707 Brook; Richard, company clerk, lived with his father at 707 Brook; and of course Charles A. who lived here on Douglas.

Together, Elizabeth and Charles lived at 1025 for more than 40 years until selling the home in 1972. 

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

If you think you see Georgian elements to this home you are not wrong, and if you think you see Colonial Revival elements to this home you are not wrong, either. This home is not only a fine display of well-maintained architecture, it also showcases the fluidity of architectural styles. Colonial Revivals can carry identifying features from original Georgian, Federal or even Dutch Colonial styles. The date in which the house was constructed plays a major role in the determination of its revival status.

Features exhibited on this home typifying the Colonial Revival style include the symmetrical balance, windows with double hung sashes, and the side-gabled roof. Features that are additionally indicative of the Colonial Revival style, but act as a nod to its prototypes include the prominent entrance porch with vernacular squared columns and the dentil-lined cornice. Three segmental dormers complete the roof and make this home three stories in height.

Sources: 1999 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud